Chelsea's primary objective during the transfer window is to reduce the number of players in their squad to help the club manage its financial situation, according to manager Enzo Maresca on Tuesday.
Since American owner Todd Boehly assumed control two years ago, Chelsea has been active in the market, investing over 160 million pounds ($211.50 million) in 11 new acquisitions for the current season, including winger Pedro Neto, forward Joao Felix, midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen. The West London club has also seen Conor Gallagher move to Atletico Madrid and defender Ian Maatsen join Aston Villa, yet they still have more than 40 senior players on their roster, which could breach the Premier League's profit and sustainability regulations.
"The goal is to address the financial issue by selling players," Maresca stated on the club's website. "From there, we aim to do our utmost and see where we end up." Chelsea's difficulties in offloading players are widely known, with England internationals Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling among approximately 15 high-earners who have been sidelined by the manager and are not training with the first team.
"For us, the focus right now is on player development. No one at the club has tasked me with competing for the Premier League or securing a Champions League spot," added Maresca, an Italian. "I want to see my team play the way we intend to play, and compete in every match. I want to see a clear vision on the ball and a highly aggressive team off the ball. The most crucial aspect is to improve match by match."
